Serbia sets May 2028 deadline for property ownership conversion

Citizens in Serbia who are currently registered as holders of real estate rather than owners must convert their status to full ownership by May 1, 2028. Failure to complete this conversion by the deadline will result in the cadastre automatically deleting these individuals from the records.

Under current legal frameworks, a holder has the right to use or enjoy a property, such as a house, apartment, or land, but lacks the authority to sell, mortgage, or otherwise dispose of it. This distinction is critical, as full ownership provides the legal security necessary for economic management, including the ability to use property as collateral for loans or to pass it on through inheritance.

Legal expert Nemanja Rodić notes that the conversion process depends heavily on how the property was originally acquired. The deadline is part of a broader reform aimed at increasing legal certainty in real estate transactions. If the conversion is not finalized, there is a risk that the state may claim ownership of the land and structures, forcing individuals to pursue ownership through lengthy and costly legal litigation.